Drop Those Pounds! Lose Weight with These Easy Tips

October 9, 2012 By Lea_

Are you a convenience eater? Do you simply just eat what is available and around because it’s less of a hassle regardless of its contents. If you are, the best diet for you is one that works with the kind of lifestyle you lead. By planning ahead, you can easily prepare quick and delicious meals and snacks.

You can continue eating light whether you're at home or eating out, and even when your schedule is at its busiest. Just use these simple strategies.

When you're eating pasta, flavor it with some pine nuts and extra virgin olive oil. Stay away from the corn chips. If you like salsa, you can eat it with baby carrots instead.

Learn easy-to-prepare recipes – You'll find there are dozens of recipes you can prepare in just 10 minutes. And the good news is these recipes are healthy.

You can find these recipes from the internet or from books at the local library. This is actually one of the methods I use to find new and healthy recipes

Cook your meals in advance – On the weekends or during the evenings, you can cook a big batch of black bean chili or chicken breasts. You can refrigerate or freeze whatever you won't eat.

For your meals during the week, simply heat some of it up and you've got food ready in 5 minutes!

Be a role model – As the parent, you need to be a good example to your kids. Know that they're likely to copy whatever eating habits you have.

Whenever you get the chance, talk to your kids regarding the importance of eating fresh produce, whole grains, healthy fats, and lean proteins.

Tips to Help You Lose Weight When Dining Out

Look for fast food alternatives – Fast food places aren't the only places where you can eat out. Take the time to look around your area for eating places that have healthier options on their menu.

If there are many ethnic restaurants in the area, ask for take out menus. If there's a salad bar at the supermarket, that's a quick meal that's much healthier than the food you'd get at a fast food place.

Bring snacks with you when you go out – When you're at work, you can avoid the office vending machines by bringing along with you your healthy snacks.

Pre-cut veggies like carrots and celery and put them in a zip-lock bag. You can also try bringing whole grain cereals with you to work and eat during your break. Invest in a small cooler that you can keep in your car. Fill it with yogurt drinks and other healthy drinks.

I’ve been known to carry a granola bar or banana chips in my purse.

Spot the healthy words on menus – When you master several healthy words, you'll be able to easily order lighter dishes at restaurants.

For instance, instead of ordering fried food, choose from the entrees that are grilled or steamed. If you must have your dessert, go with sorbet and skip the pastries and cakes.

Don't hesitate to ask the server – There are many servers at restaurants who can actually help you out in choosing the leanest choices on the menu.

This is no surprise considering that a lot of people today are trying to lose weight. So don’t be shy.

Other Weight Loss Tips

Drink lots of water – Have a bottle of water with you at all times. It's important that you keep your body hydrated throughout the day.

Often, when you feel hunger, your body is actually thirsty. So before you reach for that food, try sipping a drink and see if that doesn't make you feel better.

Eat often – Most convenience eaters forget all about eating because they get caught up in whatever it is they're doing. To avoid overeating, try eating small meals and snacks every few hours.

Find out what makes you like specific convenience foods – When you figure this out, you can begin looking for a substitute that has fewer calories.

Do you love powdered hot chocolate? Try sprinkling a bit of cinnamon in your coffee, for instance.

Exercise regularly – If you want to lose weight safely, you'll need to get yourself into an exercise routine. Make sure the exercise routine is a routine you'll be able to stick with, not something that will bore you after only a week of two.

Some people do better if they have a personal trainer or an exercise buddy, so figure out if you can do it alone or if you need someone to help you stay on track.

And take every opportunity during your day to sneak in some more exercise. For example, you can do leg lifts while you watch TV or climb the stairs when you're at work. You can even park in the last stall in the lot to get a little more walking in.

Learn to manage stress – It's true that people who lead a fast-paced lifestyle tend to have higher stress levels. You can reduce your stress by engaging in relaxation techniques, meditation, or yoga.

When you've got less stress, your body is more efficient in metabolizing foods and it stores less fat.

Yes, it's possible to lose weight even if you're a convenience eater. There are many things you can do to achieve this and all without resorting to eating fast food.

And the best part is you can save more money while you continue to enjoy eating! So start trimming your waist and fattening your wallet now.

Lea is a certified life coach, foodie and lifehack expert. Don’t end up like the millions of people who gave up on their dreams, get unstuck and to the next level. Take the eye-opening Live Your Dreams course now to get moving!

Lea

Welcome to the Leading Edge, I'm Lea. Here is where you'll find the support you need to get over the roadblocks and live the life that only seemed possible in your dreams. It may seem far fetched now but believe me it's not. I'm living proof! Read More…